obfuscate

[ ob-fuh-skeyt, ob-fuhs-keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ob·fus·cat·ed, ob·fus·cat·ing.

1. to make unclear or hard to understand, especially deliberately:

   Do not obfuscate the issue with irrelevant detail.

   Synonyms: muddy, cloud

2. to confuse or bewilder:

   The authors achieve their purpose without obfuscating the reader by using too much technical terminology.

   Synonyms: perplex, muddle

   Antonyms: illuminate, clarify

3. to darken.

verb (used without object)

, ob·fus·cat·ed, ob·fus·cat·ing.

1. to make something unclear or hard to understand, especially deliberately; speak or write evasively or obscurely:

   Notice how she obfuscates when asked directly about her conversations with the defendant.

obfuscate

/ ˈɒbfʌsˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to obscure or darken
2. to perplex or bewilder

Derived Forms

• ˌobfusˈcatory, adjective

Other Words From

• ob·fus·ca·tion [ob-f, uh, -, skey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• ob·fus·ca·to·ry [ob-, fuhs, -k, uh, -tawr-ee], adjective
• un·ob·fus·cat·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obfuscate¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Late Latin obfuscātus “darkened,” past participle of obfuscāre “to darken,” from Latin ob- ob- + fusc(us) “dark” + -āre, infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of obfuscate¹

C16: from Latin ob- (intensive) + fuscāre to blacken, from fuscus dark

Example Sentences

He also obfuscated the facts on health care, reproductive care and who brought down the cost of prescription medication.

From Salon

“The propaganda did not identify, and in fact purposefully obfuscated, the Russian government or its agents as the source of the content,” read the press release released by the Justice Department announcing the domain seizure.

From Salon

Vice President Harris is better equipped than most when it comes to pinning down an obfuscating opponent.

From Los Angeles Times

“Colored Television” is a sharp critique of this binary preoccupation with identity, the ways in which the culture obfuscates serious issues that only breed further confusion.

From Los Angeles Times

And it goes beyond political slogans, which are deliberately meant to obfuscate and draw would-be supporters in.

From Salon